Austin bars ringing in 2017 with New Year’s Eve celebrations

Tom McCarthy Jr. for American-Statesman. Looking for a classy New Year’s Eve experience? The Townsend is offering cocktails and live music from performers like Miss Lavelle White.

Whether you prefer beer, champagne or something a little harder to bring in the new year, Austin’s watering holes are making sure you’ve got your drink of choice and more during their New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Not sure where to go? Here are some options and what they are offering during the countdown to midnight.

Ah Sing Den: Forget the champagne toast at midnight. The Asian-inspired den on East Sixth Street — once East Side Showroom — is offering a free punch toast instead, along with late-night bites available ’til 1:30 a.m.

Backbeat: Because of such a prime location with downtown views, the cocktail bar is offering a fireworks viewing watch party from the rooftop, but you’ll want to get there extra early and enjoy a special cocktail and punch menu.

Blue Owl Brewing: The party at this East Austin brewery is kicking off a little early with a Wee Heavy toast at 6 p.m. (when it’s midnight in Scotland, the home country of one of the co-founders’ spouses)

Dog & Duck Pub: Once again, the beer bar is ringing in the new year British-style — that is, at 6 p.m. with a champagne toast.

Drinks Lounge: The 3rd Annual Soul Shindig is returning with the finest selection of funk and soul on black vinyl. Just come dressed up and, if you want a booth, make reservations ahead of time.

Easy Tiger: Welcome the new year with $20 bombers of beer instead of champagne, such as Left Hand 2014 Smoke Jumper, Jester King 2015 Hibernal Dichotomous and more.

Half Step: Delicious revelry is in store at this New Year’s Eve soiree, which will have live music, punch, a champagne toast at 12 a.m. and even a limbo contest.

Hopfields: Whether you’re coming for a five-course dinner to start the festivities or arriving later for the party, make sure you’re decked out in festive garb channeling Frank Sinatra, Havana nights, “Mad Men” and/or the Rat Pack. The French-inspired gastropub is going classy to finish out 2016.

Irene’s: It’s hard to find a better deal than $40 magnums of bubbles on the best night of the year for them. After midnight, you can also enjoy black-eyed peas and collard greens for prosperity in 2017.

Mean Eyed Cat: Let your final meal of the year be the black-eyed peas, gumbo and $1 chopped beef sandwiches that Stubb’s BBQ is serving at this dive bar devoted to Johnny Cash

Mort Subite: The Belgian beer bar on Congress Avenue wants you to party like it’s 1791. That is, that you’re sipping on Dues, the champagne of beers created by Bosteels Brewery, which was founded in 1791.

Oskar Blues: It’s the brewery party for music lovers. Oskar Blues is lighting up the final night of 2016 with a couple of Flaming Lips side projects and stellar Austin acts.

Red Horn Coffee House & Brewing: Party in the ‘burbs with beers like the Bourbon Barrel Suburban Ninja Imperial Stout and a toast of Red Horn’s golden ale at midnight.

Small Victory: Want a cozy New Year’s Eve with a small number of revelers? The cocktail bar is offering just such a haven for no cover charge and tasty wintertime libations.

St. Elmo Brewing: One of Austin’s newest breweries, off South Congress Avenue, is toasting at midnight with a free pour of Carl Kolsch for everyone; just buy your ticket in advance or at the door

The Townsend: This cocktail bar doubles as one of the best live music venues in town and is proving it with a New Year’s Eve show headlined by Miss Lavelle White. Reserve a ticket in advance.

Whip In: Go ahead and embrace those Miller High Life minis you secretly love. Plus, there will be chicken buckets to pair with ’em, a balloon drop, a champagne toast and even a cork popping competition that will get the winner a free bar tab.

Whisler’s: The East Sixth Street cocktail bar is throwing it back with a drinks menu of some of Whisler’s greatest hits from the past 3 1/2 years. The night will also have DJ beats and party favors.

Whitestone Brewery: In Cedar Park, Whitestone has double reason to party — the brewery is celebrating its one-year anniversary. As such, the fun begins at noon and will run past midnight, with food truck grub, a photo booth, live music, commemorative beer mugs and a midnight toast with Whitestone’s special release of Red Wine Saison. Note that it’s 21 and up after 8 p.m.

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About the Author

Arianna Auber writes in-depth news about beer, cocktails and spirits for Liquid Austin and keeps readers in the know about fun local events with the Planner. She lives in East Austin with three roommates, a dog, and a fridge and pantry full of craft beer.